Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. The airport is about an hour drive from Nairobi city center. Taxis are readily available, but establish the fare before getting in.

Lost Luggage

Visit the lost luggage desk in the baggage hall before going through customs.

Visas

Most visitors to Kenya require a visa. Multiple and single entry visas are available. Applications can be made at the airport or prior to arrival. The single entry visa is US$ 50, EUR 40.

Getting Around

Most international car hire companies operate in Kenya (with offices at the airport). Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and most cars are right-hand drive. A current driving license with photograph is accepted for up to three months stay. City buses operate at reasonable low rates. Fares are to be paid to the conductor. Matatus (private minibuses) are abundant but usually overcrowded.

Foreign currency can be changed at banks, foreign currency bureaus or hotels. Banks are open from Monday to Saturday.

Electricity

Kenya uses the 240V system. Power sockets are of the three-square-pin variety as used in the UK. To charge your phone or run other appliances you can bring a universal adapter or buy it in Kenya at any bigger supermarket.

Mobile Phones

Kenya uses the GSM 900 system, which is compatible with Europe and Australia but not with American GSM 1900. If your phone is not locked into a network, you can buy a prepaid mobile starter pack from Kenya mobile phone companies. You can top up by purchasing a scratch card, sold practically in any street corner anywhere in Kenya. International SMS's cost around 10 Ksh each, while international calls cost around 50 Ksh per minute.

Internet Access

There are cyber cafes all around. Internet access costs around 1 Ksh per minute. Connection speed varies, but you will get your e-mail read and sent with reasonable effort.

Post Office

Open 8 am to 5 pm weekdays, 9 am to 12 pm Saturdays.

Hospital

Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu have international standard hospitals offering all services. For Ambulance Services, dial 999.

Photography

Photographing people remains a sensitive issue in Kenya. We advice to ask for permission before taking pictures of locals. You should never get your camera out at border crossings or near government or army buildings as this is an offence punishable with jail and heavy fines.

Dress

Kenyans are generally quite conservative, and particularly concerned with modesty in dress. Out of respect for the local communities (especially in the Muslim dominated areas, such as cost, parts of Nairobi) and also to protect yourself from getting a sunburn you should wear clothes that cover the body from the shoulders to the knees. For women it is useful to bring a long, wide piece of clothing to use as a covering.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in Kenya. Even soft drugs like marijuana are not permitted during your stay in Kenya. CIVS discourages the use of any drugs and will not take responsibility for your actions. Getting into jail in Kenya is one of the last things you want.

Smoking

Smoking in public is prohibited in Kenya

Civilities

It is considered rude to speak to someone without first greeting them, so even if yo only want directions, greet the person first. Greet people by saying: "Habari?" (How are you?) or reply by saying: "Mzuri sana!" meaning "Very fine!" You will learn some Swahili as long as you are interested in communicating with local people.

Hello = Hujambo!

Please = Tafadhali!

Thank you = Asante!

Sorry = Pole!

Goodbye = Kwaheri!

Get in Touch!

+254 722 210968

info ( at ) civskenya ( dot ) com

What Volunteers Say

Both volunteering and exploring Kenya has been an amazing experience, even more so with the CIVS. Asante!!!

Giuseppe Luca, UK
2016

I had so many good moments in Kenya and learned a lot about life and cultures. Thank you and see you soon!

Anni, Finland
2015

The Community Development Project of CIVS is great. I learned so many things and could actually contribute with my skills knowledge to the project.

Emilii, Finland
May 8, 2015

Volunteering with CIVS has been a fantastic experience. I've developed new skills, made some great contacts and been able to support a great charity that is supporting local children.

Barnabas Harnes, United Kingdom
April 18, 2013

Everything was great..It s an unforgettable experience..I really enjoy a lot and created some very strong link. I will come back it for sure..Kenya is in my heart

Elisabeth, France
May 7, 2012

Wonderful voluntary project, wonderful safari, wonderful country!

Chenxin, China
June 17, 2013

A great experience thanks to a combination of both challenges and very rewarding experiences. Thank you very much!

Johannes, Germany
Nov 12, 2014

Very welcoming host family, interesting project, all in all unforgettable experience! Asante sana!"

Leonie, Germany
September 22, 2014

I'm glad that I had that special&wonderful experience to know the Kenyan lifestyle, I had a really good time here. Thanks for everything!

Vega, Peru
May 3, 2015

Very good experience, I loved children in the orphanage, I learned many new things and I'm happy to have share my time with those people!

Valerie Maine, Australia
June 23, 2015

It was a really great time and I wish I could have spent more time in Kenya and with the children in mz prject. I hope I can come back soon! Thanks for everything"

Jackie Terrie, USA
January 8 2016

I have absolutely loved volunteering for CIVS – I have met some incredible people, and felt part of a really supportive and lovely community. I am sad to be leaving at the end of this year!